24. Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ commanders had returned with a larger force than before to wage war against him.
25. So he marched away from Jerusalem and met them in the region of Hamath. He didn’t allow them any opportunity to invade his country.
26. He sent spies to their camp. They returned and reported to him that the enemy was lining up in battle formation to attack the Jews at night.
27. When the sun had set, Jonathan commanded his troops to be on alert. They were to keep their weapons at hand so they could be ready through the night for battle. He also stationed guard posts around the camp.
28. When the enemy heard that Jonathan and his troops were prepared for battle, they were extremely terrified. So they lit fires in their camp and retreated.
29. Jonathan and his troops didn’t know about this until morning because they saw the fires burning.
30. Then Jonathan tried to pursue them, but he couldn’t catch them since they had already crossed the Eleutherus River.
31. So Jonathan turned aside against the Arabs, who are called Zabadeans, and he crushed and plundered them.
32. Then he broke camp and went to Damascus and marched throughout that region.